National HIV Testing Day, June 27

An estimated 250,000 people in the United States are HIV/AIDS positive and don’t know it. This is estimated to be roughly 20-25% of the US population. This Day is an opportunity for American Indians and Alaska Natives to gain knowledge of their HIV status to take control of their health and their lives – and assist in protecting the health of others. As healthcare professionals, it also is an invaluable opportunity to educate our people about HIV and AIDS and dispel the myths and stigma associated with HIV testing and care.

The American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) population has the 3rd highest rate of HIV/AIDS, the shortest timeline between diagnosis and death and a high percentage of ‘late’ diagnosis compared with other race/ethnic groups. This suggests the critical preventive component of missed screening opportunities. Given the risk factors and vulnerabilities, it is imperative we screen our community members at every opportunity. The impact of screening early and often is easily justifiable as treatment and care is available, which saves lives and protects future generations. Screening also serves as a proven preventive measure since it is estimated that over half of newly infected individuals acquire HIV from those unaware of their status. As well, data demonstrates the potential for critical behavior change to occur when an individual knows their HIV status.

We must work to routinize screening and normalize discussion of HIV/AIDS – reducing the stigma with each test and every open discussion. With the revised CDC testing guidelines, states are reviewing screening requirements and attempting to adjust policy to effectively implement more broad-based screening efforts. The IHS supports the revised CDC recommendations (for more broad-based screening) and have removed any potential policy barriers (at the Agency level) in order to increase screening efforts. For example, prenatal screening should be universal and we should, at the very least, screen every single pregnant mother. It is our responsibility to take on the role of an advocate, supporter, facilitator, or provider of prevention and care, to include advocacy for HIV screening. Join me in advancing HIV prevention and care within our people and protecting our future generations.

To find a testing facility, check with staff at your IHS, Tribal or Urban Health facility - or go to www.hivtest.org.

The revised CDC recommendations can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5514al.htm.

More information on National Testing Day can be found at www.aids.gov.

More information on HIV/AIDS in the American Indian / Alaska Native population can be found at www.ihs.gov/medicalprograms/hivaids.

 

 

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